International exchange: Summer schools in Osnabrück inspire students!

International exchange: Summer schools in Osnabrück inspire students!

The University of Osnabrück once again sees itself as a central contact point for international students by organizing its summer program, the Summer Schools, for the 14th time this year. From July 10th to 21st, 51 students from 14 countries will take part. Prof. Dr. Andrea Lenschow highlights the importance of creative exchange across national borders. This exchange is made possible primarily by the courses offered, which not only impart basic German skills, but also provide an understanding of German history.

The university's summer schools offer a total of four different courses. The basic courses “Introduction to German Language and Culture (GLC) A1.1” and “GLC A1.2” are aimed at beginners and require little or no previous knowledge. The goal is to achieve language level A1.1 or A1.2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR). The “Advanced Intensive German (AIG)” course is available for students with advanced knowledge (A2/B1 level), the aim of which is to increase language skills to B1/B2 level. As part of this course, participants choose focus areas such as migration, peace, sustainability and artificial intelligence for project-based work that is implemented in the university's DigiLab.

Course offerings and activities

Another course called “Germany and the Atlantic World (GAW)” examines the history of Germany in the Atlantic context. This course is taught by Dr. Kristalyn M. Shefveland held in English and combined with the German courses. The program ends with presentations of the participants' own research projects.

On their first day, the students were given a festive welcome in the Peace Hall of the town hall. The university's International Office also organizes numerous excursions in and around Osnabrück, including a boat tour on Lake Rubbenbruch, a visit to the Felix Nussbaum House and a night watchman tour in the city center. Weekend trips to Bremen and the North Sea for mudflat hiking are also on the program. Rouven Brinkmann from the International Office emphasizes the immersion spirit of these cultural events, which are intended to help participants quickly familiarize themselves with German culture.

International cooperation and exchange

The summer schools are aimed not only at students from Germany, but also at international participants from partner universities. The University of Osnabrück also promotes transdisciplinary exchange, particularly through its Costa Rica Center, which intensifies international cooperation. This center has a prominent position within the university and addresses issues such as education, peace, economics, the environment, biodiversity and sustainability. Members from various disciplines, including American studies, computer science and psychology, contribute to the cross-cultural relevance of this research.

Ideas and concepts of international exchange are supported by initiatives of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. These support, among other things, scholarship programs from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), which enable students to acquire intercultural skills, expand their language skills and establish international networks. As part of these programs, students from technical colleges and universities that are active in foreign challenges and cooperation projects benefit from a variety of opportunities to strengthen their academic and professional development.

Overall, the University of Osnabrück is an attractive destination for international students that promotes cultural diversity and contributes to the training of highly qualified specialists in a dynamic and international context. This is also supported by the science ministers' strategy for the internationalization of universities, which includes further measures to integrate international students and their transition to the labor market.